ES3037332T3 - Composite packaging material sheet, method for forming a composite packaging material sheet, composite package and method for forming a composite package - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet of composite packaging material (21, 21', 21") is described for forming a composite package (1, 1', 1") comprising at least a sheet of packaging material base (22, 22") with a designated opening and an opening device (3, 3', 3") applied to and around the designated opening. The sheet of packaging material base (22, 22") comprises at least a first face and a second face (24) opposite the first face and several fold lines (30) delimiting several panels (31). The opening device (3, 3', 3") comprises a base frame (15) for coupling to and around the designated opening of the sheet of packaging material (22, 22"). The base frame (15) comprises at least a first tab (34) connected to the second face (24) and with a rectilinear peripheral portion (36), adjacent to and parallel to a respective fold line (30), which defines a reference fold line (37). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Composite packaging material sheet, method for forming a composite packaging material sheet, composite material container, and method for forming a composite material container

Technical field

The present invention relates to a sheet of composite packaging material for forming a composite material container, in particular a composite material container having a sealed main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for forming a sheet of composite packaging material for the formation of a composite material container.

Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a composite material container, in particular a composite material container having a sealed main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising an opening device.

Additionally, the present invention also relates to a method for forming a composite material container for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

Background of the technique

As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in composite material packaging made of a multi-layer composite packaging material.

A typical example is the Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), a rectangular container for pourable food products, which is manufactured by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layered structure comprising a base layer of cardboard and/or paper, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is layered over a layer of heat-sealable plastic material. This layer is then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material that forms the inner surface of the container, which ultimately comes into contact with the food product.

Some of the known composite material packaging materials each comprise:

- a main body having a designated opening and formed from a sheet of composite packaging material having a multi-layer structure; and

- an opening device connected to the main body and around the designated opening and configured to seal the designated opening, the opening device being controllable in an open configuration to release the designated opening.

A typical opening device comprises a base frame connecting the opening device to the main body and around the designated opening, a collar extending from the base frame having an outlet, and a cap for selectively closing and opening the outlet.

It is also known that these composite packaging materials are formed on automatic packaging machines from respective sheets of composite packaging material, which can be supplied individually or in the form of a strip of a succession of basic units.

While known composite packaging materials perform satisfactorily well, there is a desire in the industry to offer improved composite packaging material sheets for the formation of composite packaging.

Another desire in the sector is to provide an improved method for forming sheets of composite packaging material for the formation of composite packaging.

Additionally, there is a desire in the sector to offer an improved composite material container for pourable products.

There is also a desire in the sector to offer an improved method for forming composite material containers for pourable products.

WO0244040A1 discloses a method for applying an opening device to a sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products, comprising the step of fitting a frame of the opening device to the packaging material in a position where it extends across a fold line designed to define an edge of the finished package.

Document JPS62118019U discloses a synthetic resin pouring spout that is pre-attached to a packaging container filled with liquid foods, such as juice, milk, and the like, and that can be easily used by a user.

Document JPH0551032A discloses a pouring hole formed in a paper container by folding the pouring hole rim in a straight line near the container's opening area, such that it conforms to the inner contour of the corner of the paper container's top panel. The pouring hole opening is so close to the corner that the contents can be easily poured by tilting the paper container, leaving little residue in the corner portion.

Document EP0224593A1 discloses a pouring hole that is attached to a cardboard container, in which a beverage, such as milk or juice, is to be packaged, which is integrally formed by a cylindrical body inserted through and fixed to a wall of the container, and a lid that closes the opening of the cylindrical body, by using an elastic material, such as polyethylene.

Disclosure of the invention

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and low-cost manner an improved composite packaging material sheet for forming a composite material container filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and low-cost manner a method for forming a sheet of composite packaging material for the formation of a composite material container for pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide in a simple and low-cost manner a composite material container for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simple and low-cost method for forming a composite material container for pourable products, particularly pourable food products. According to the present invention, a sheet of composite packaging material is provided according to independent claim 1.

Other advantageous embodiments of the composite packaging material sheet are specified in claims that are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1.

According to the present invention, a method for forming sheets of composite packaging material is also provided according to independent claim 5.

In the claims that are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5, additional advantageous embodiments of the method for forming sheets of composite packaging material are specified.

According to the present invention, a composite material container is also provided according to independent claim 7.

Other advantageous embodiments of the composite material container are specified in claims that are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 7.

According to the present invention, a method for forming composite material containers is also provided according to independent claim 9.

Brief description of the drawings

Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a composite material container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an opening device for the composite material container of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 3 is a top view of a sheet of packaging material for forming a composite material container according to Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a composite material container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an opening device for the composite material container of Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 6 is a top view of a sheet of packaging material for forming a composite material container according to Figure 4, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a composite material container according to a third embodiment not part of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an opening device for the composite container of Figure 7, with parts removed for clarity; and

Figure 9 is a top view of a sheet of packaging material for forming a composite material container according to Figure 7, with parts removed for clarity.

Best ways to carry out the invention

Number 1 indicates, as a whole, a first embodiment of a composite material container for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particularly a liquid food product, comprising:

- a main body (composite) 2, in particular a sealed main body (composite) 2, which is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, even more particularly a liquid food product, and which has a designated opening configured to allow the pourable product to exit from the main body 2; and

- an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, connected to the main body 2 around the designated opening and configured to seal the designated opening, in particular before the first use of the container 1.

In particular, packaging 1 can be obtained from a sheet of composite packaging material 4, in particular with a multilayer structure, as described, for example, in Figure 3.

With particular reference to Figure 1, the container 1, in particular the main body 2, can extend along a longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B, and a second transverse axis C. In particular, the extension of the container 2 along the longitudinal axis A can be greater than the extension of the container 2 along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

Preferably, container 1, in particular the main body 2, may be in the shape of a parallelepiped. Alternatively, container 1, in particular the main body 2, may be cylindrical or any other shape.

In more detail, the main body 2 may comprise a plurality of walls, in particular a first wall 5, one or more side walls 6, in the specific case shown four, and at least a second wall 7, in the specific case shown one.

More specifically, the first wall 5 can be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis A, and the main body 2 can extend from the first wall 5 along the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall 5 can define a support surface for the container 1, in particular the main body 2, which is designed to come into contact with a support, such as a shelf, particularly when in use, for example, when displayed at a point of sale or when in storage. In particular, when placed on a support, the first wall 5 defines a bottom wall of the container 1.

Additionally, the first wall 5 can define a lower wall of container 1 during normal use of container 1.

Likewise, the side walls 6 can be (fixedly) connected to the first wall 5 and extend, in particular (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis A, from the first wall 5. In particular, the side walls 6 (substantially) define the extent of the container 1 along the longitudinal axis A.

Additionally, the second wall 7 can be located opposite the first wall 5 and can be (fixedly) connected to (at least some) side walls 6. In particular, the second wall 7 can also be transverse to the longitudinal axis A.

In particular, side walls 6 can be placed between the first wall 5 and the second wall 7.

In particular, when placed on a support and/or during normal use of the container 1, the second wall 7 can define an upper wall of the main body 2.

According to some non-limiting realizations, the first wall 5 and the second wall 7 can be parallel to each other.

According to non-limiting alternative embodiments not shown, the first portion of wall 5 and the second portion of wall 7 can be inclined with respect to each other.

According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the second wall 7 can have two transverse portions to each other (i.e., so that they form a gable configuration).

According to some non-limiting realizations, the second wall 7 may carry and/or comprise the designated opening.

Furthermore, the main body 2 may comprise a plurality of edges, in particular:

- a plurality of longitudinal edges 8, in the specific case shown four, each arranged and/or formed between two neighboring side walls 6;

- a plurality of first transverse edges 9, in the specific case shown four, each arranged and/or formed between a respective side wall 6 and a first wall 5; and

- a plurality of second transverse edges 10, in the specific case shown four, each arranged and/or formed between a respective side wall 6 and second wall 7.

In particular, the first transverse edges 9 and the second transverse edges 10 can be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal edges 8.

In more detail, the first transverse edges 9 can define lower transverse edges of the main body 2 and the second transverse edges 10 can define upper transverse edges of the main body 2.

Furthermore, the longitudinal edges 8 can be (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

Furthermore, the main body 2 may include an internal space 11 for the pourable product. In particular, the first wall 5, the side walls 6, and the second wall 7 may define the internal space 11.

Additionally, the designated opening can be configured to allow pouring of the pourable product from the main body 2, in particular out of the internal space 11.

Likewise, the container 1, in particular the main body 2, may comprise an internal surface 12 facing the internal space 11 and/or in contact with the pourable product, and in particular an external surface 13 opposite the internal surface 12.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, the opening device 3 is configured to close and seal the designated opening, particularly before the first use of the container 1, and to be controllable in an open configuration, wherein the opening device 3 releases at least a portion of the designated opening to allow pouring of the pourable product from the container 1, particularly the main body 2.

Additionally, the opening device 3 can also be controlled in a closing configuration, in which the opening device 3 closes the designated opening.

Furthermore, before the first use of container 1, the opening device 3 is controlled in the closing configuration and is set to seal and close the designated opening, and after the first control of the opening device 3 in the opening configuration and when the opening device 3 is controlled again in the closing configuration, the opening device 3 is set to close the designated opening.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, the opening device 3 comprises at least one base frame 15 for coupling the opening device 3 to the main body 2.

Additionally, the base frame 15 can be arranged around the designated opening. In particular, the base frame 15 can include a step, specifically aligned with at least a portion of the designated opening.

Likewise, the opening device 3 may comprise a collar 17 extending from the base frame 15 and a cover 18 attached and/or attachable to the collar 17.

In more detail, collar 17 may comprise an outlet opening, in particular aligned with the designated passage and opening, being configured to allow the pourable product to exit, and cap 18 is configured to selectively close and open the outlet opening.

In more detail, before its first use, cap 18 can be in a closed position, in which it closes and seals the outlet opening. Additionally, cap 18 can be moved to an open position, in which it opens the outlet opening. Furthermore, once cap 18 has been moved to the open position for the first time, it can be moved repeatedly between the open and closed positions, but when in the closed position, cap 18 is set to close the outlet opening.

In particular, the opening device 3 is controlled in the open configuration and in the closed configuration with the lid 18 being in the open position and in the closed position.

In even more detail, before the first check of the lid 18 from the closed position to the open position, the lid 18 is brokenly attached to an edge of the collar 17, an edge that delimits the exit opening.

Additionally, the opening device 3 may comprise a fastening element 19 that fastens the cover 18 to the collar 17 and/or the base frame 15, in the specific case shown to the collar 17.

Furthermore, the opening device 3 may comprise a retaining element 20 configured to retain the lid 18 in the open position. In particular, the retaining element 20 may be configured to interact with the clamping element 19 in order to retain the lid 18 in the open position.

In particular, the retaining element 20 is connected (integrally) to, and extends from, the base frame 15.

With particular reference to Figure 3, container 1 is formed from a sheet of packaging material 21 comprising:

- a base 22 of the packaging material sheet (composite) comprising a multilayer packaging material having the designated opening; and

- an opening device 3 applied to the base 22 of the packaging material sheet and to the designated opening.

It should be noted that the base 22 of the packaging material sheet comprises the designated opening and once the package 1 has been formed from the packaging material sheet 21, the designated opening of the main body 2 originates from the designated opening of the base 22 of the packaging material sheet.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the main body 2 is obtained by folding and sealing the base 22 of the packaging material sheet and, as the opening device 3 is connected to the base 22 of the packaging material sheet (as part of the packaging material sheet 21), the opening device 3 is also coupled to the main body 2 after the formation of the package 1 as a whole.

Furthermore, the base 22 of the packaging material sheet may comprise a first face and a second face 24 opposite the first face. In particular, the first face defines the outer surface 13 and the second face 24 defines the inner surface 12 once the package 1 has been formed from the packaging material sheet 21.

In further detail, the base 22 of the packaging material sheet may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, with the fibrous material layer interposed between them. One of these two layers of heat-sealable plastic material defines the first face and the other defines the second face 24.

Furthermore, the base 22 of the packaging material sheet may also comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material, for example, aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular positioned between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may also comprise an additional layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

With particular reference to Figure 3, the packaging material sheet 21, in particular the base 22 of the packaging material sheet, comprises a plurality of fold lines 30 that delimit and/or define a plurality of panels 31 of the packaging material sheet 21, in particular the base 22 of the packaging material sheet.

More specifically, the packaging material sheet 21, in particular the base 22 of the packaging material sheet, is folded along the fold lines 30 to obtain the package 1.

In particular, at least some fold lines 30 define and/or correspond to longitudinal edges 8, at least some fold lines 30 define and/or correspond to first transverse edges 9 and at least some fold lines 30 define and/or correspond to second transverse edges 10.

In more detail, each panel 31 can at least partially define a respective wall (first wall 5 or a side wall 6 or second wall 7) of the main body 2.

Furthermore, at least one panel 31 may comprise the designated opening. In particular, according to the invention shown in Figure 3, exactly one panel 31 comprises the designated opening.

Preferably, panel 31 comprising the designated opening can at least partially form the second wall 7 after the formation of the container 1.

In more detail, panel 31, which has the designated opening, can be sealed during container formation 1 with another panel 31 to form the second wall 7.

In addition, panel 31 having the designated opening may be bounded by a plurality of fold lines 30 and/or may have a rectangular shape.

With special reference to Figures 2 and 3, the base frame 15 comprises at least a first flange 34 molded onto the second face 24.

In more detail, the first flange 34 may have at least one peripheral portion 35, particularly annular in shape. In further detail, the first flange 34, particularly the peripheral portion 35, may comprise a rectilinear peripheral portion 36 that is adjacent to and parallel with a respective fold line 30 defining a reference fold line 37. In particular, the reference fold line 37 also has a rectilinear shape.

Additionally, the first flange 34, in particular the peripheral portion 35, may comprise an auxiliary peripheral portion 38 separate from the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 and oriented in the opposite direction and distanced from the reference fold line 37. In the specific example shown, the auxiliary peripheral portion 38 has a rectilinear shape, being in particular (substantially) parallel to the rectilinear peripheral portion 36. Alternatively, the auxiliary peripheral portion 38 may have a shape other than rectilinear.

Furthermore, the first flange 34, in particular the peripheral portion 35, may comprise other auxiliary peripheral portions 39 that connect the straight peripheral portion 36 and the auxiliary peripheral portion 38 to each other. In particular, the auxiliary peripheral portions 39, the straight peripheral portion 36, and the auxiliary peripheral portion 38 may define an annular shape.

In more detail, the first flange 34 can be understood as a step.

Furthermore, the first flange 34 may comprise an internal portion 40 that is connected to the peripheral portion 35. In particular, the peripheral portion 35 may be arranged radially on the outside and the internal portion 40 may be arranged radially on the inside.

Furthermore, the peripheral portion 35 can extend into a foreground plane, and the internal portion 40 can extend into a second plane offset from the foreground. In particular, the internal portion 40, and more specifically the second plane, can be flush with the first surface.

In addition, the foreground can be flush with the second face 24.

In addition, collar 17 is an integral part of the first flange 34 and extends from the first flange 34.

According to the invention, the distance between the rectilinear peripheral portion 34 and the reference fold line 37 can be equal to or less than 2.0 mm, in particular equal to or less than 1.0 mm, and even more particularly equal to or less than 0.9 mm. In particular, the distance between the rectilinear peripheral portion 34 and the reference fold line 37 is determined with respect to a direction normal to the fold line 37 and to the rectilinear peripheral portion 34.

According to some possible embodiments, the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 may be in contact with the reference fold line 37. In particular, the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 may abut against the reference fold line 37 or may extend into the reference fold line 37 (i.e., the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 may overlap a portion of the reference fold line 37).

Once the package 1 has been formed from the sheet of packaging material 21, the first flange 34 can be connected, in particular fused, to the inner surface 12 (i.e., the first flange 34 is disposed within the inner space 11). Additionally, the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 can be adjacent to and parallel with the reference fold line 37. In particular, the reference fold line 37 corresponds to and/or defines a respective second transverse edge 10.

Furthermore, the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 may be adjacent to a respective side wall 6. In particular, the distance between the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 and the respective side wall 6 may be equal to or less than 2.0 mm, in particular equal to or less than 1.0 mm, even more particularly equal to or less than 0.9 mm.

According to some possible embodiments, the rectilinear peripheral portion 36 may abut against the respective side wall 6.

With particular reference to Figure 2, the retaining element 20 is connected (integrally) to and extends from the first flange 15, in particular the peripheral portion 35.

According to the specific realization of Figures 1 to 3, the peripheral portion 35 can be arranged within the internal space 11.

Furthermore, the formation of a respective sheet of packaging material 21 comprises at least the steps of: - providing the respective base 22 of the sheet of packaging material having the designated opening; - arranging a mold around the designated opening; and

- feed a molten polymer into the mold and mold the respective opening device 3 on the base of the sheet of packaging material 21 and around the designated opening.

In particular, the mold has a cavity that corresponds to the shape of the opening device 3.

According to some possible embodiments, in particular to improve the positioning accuracy of the opening device 3, the formation of the packaging material sheet 21 also comprises the step of: - reading a mark applied to the base 22 of the packaging material sheet; and

- Align the mold around the designated opening depending on the position of the mark.

In particular, the mark can be a magnetic mark or a different type of mark. Preferably, the mark can be a magnetic mark that allows for precise positioning of the mold and thus of the opening device 3. More specifically, the bases 22 of the packaging material sheets can be provided in the form of a strip. In particular, the strip comprises a plurality of basic units, each basic unit corresponding to a respective base 22 of the packaging material sheet. Thus, during the supply stage, the strip of bases 22 of the packaging material sheets advances, particularly intermittently, to a molding station, where opening devices 3 are molded onto the respective bases 22 of the packaging material sheets. In this way, a strip of packaging material sheets 21 is obtained.

Furthermore, the formation of the containers 1 comprises the following stages:

- provide the sheet of packaging material 21;

- fold the sheet of packaging material 21 according to the fold lines 30 to obtain package 1; - seal, in particular longitudinally and transversely, package 1; and

- Fill container 1 with the pourable product.

In more detail, the packaging material sheet 21 can be provided in the form of a web of packaging material sheets 21 and the web of packaging material sheets 21 can advance (continuously) to a tube forming station, in which the web of packaging material sheets 21 can be formed into a tube.

Furthermore, during the sealing stage, the tube can be sealed longitudinally and transversely.

Additionally, during the filling stage, the tube can be filled with the pourable product.

The formation of containers 1 may also include the forming stage, during which the tube is formed, and the cross-cutting stage of the tube to obtain the individual containers 1.

With reference to Figure 4, number 1' indicates an alternative embodiment of a container according to the present invention; since container 1' is similar to container 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them and uses the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, container 1' differs from container 1 in that it comprises the opening device 3'.

Similarly, container 1' differs from container 1 in that it is made of a sheet of packaging material 21' (see Figure 6).

Since packaging material sheet 21' is similar to packaging material sheet 21, the following description is limited to the differences between them and uses the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, the packaging material sheet 21' differs from the packaging material sheet 21 in that it comprises an opening device 3'.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the opening device 3' differs from the opening device 3 in that the base frame 15 further comprises a second flange 40 separate from, and in particular being parallel to, the first flange 34.

Preferably, the first flange 34 and the second flange 40 can be connected together.

In particular, the second flange 40 is molded onto the first face or, after the formation of the container 1, onto the outer surface 13.

Likewise, the first flange 34 and the second flange 40 define a respective intermediate space by interposing between them a portion of the base 22 of the sheet of packaging material or after the formation of the packaging 1 of the second wall 7.

In more detail and with particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the second flange 40 may comprise a peripheral portion 42, in particular having the same shape as the peripheral portion 35. Alternatively, the peripheral portion 42 may have a shape at least partially different from the shape of the peripheral portion 35.

Since the formation of packaging material sheets 21' is similar to the formation of packaging material sheets 21, we refer to the description provided regarding the formation of packaging material sheets 21.

Additionally, since the formation of container 1' is similar to the formation of container 1, we refer to the description provided regarding the formation of container 1.

With reference to Figure 7, the number 1'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a container that is not part of the present invention; since container 1'' is similar to container 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them and uses the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, container 1'' differs from container 1 in that it comprises an opening device 3'' and in that the designated opening extends over two respective walls, in particular the second wall 7 and a side wall 6.

Similarly, the 1'' container differs from the 1' container in that it is formed from a sheet of 21'' packaging material (see Figure 9).

Since the 21'' packaging material sheet is similar to the 21' packaging material sheet, the following description is limited to the differences between them and uses the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.

In particular, the packaging material sheet 21'' differs from the packaging material sheet 21' in that it comprises an opening device 3'' and a base 22 of the packaging material sheet.

In more detail, the base 22 of the packaging material sheet'' differs from the base 22 of the packaging material sheet in that the designated opening comprises a first opening portion and a second opening portion.

Likewise, one panel 31, in particular the one that at least partially defines the second wall 7, comprises the first opening portion and another panel 31, in particular the one that defines a side wall 6, comprises the second opening portion.

In more detail, a fold line 30, particularly transverse, and more particularly perpendicular, to the reference fold line 37, is interposed between panel 31 having the first opening portion and panel 31 having the second opening portion.

In further detail, the fold line 30 that lies between panel 31 having the first portion of opening and panel 31 having the second portion of opening defines an auxiliary reference fold line 46 that is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the reference fold line 37.

Additionally, and with special reference to Figures 7 to 9, the opening device 3'' differs from the opening device 3' in that the first flange 34 may comprise a first flange portion 47, a second flange portion 48, and a fold line 49 interposed between the first flange portion 47 and the second flange portion 48. In particular, the fold line 49 is configured such that during the formation of the container 1, i.e., during the folding of the respective sheet of packaging material 21'', the first flange 34 is folded along the fold line 49 such that the first flange portion 47 and the second flange portion 48 are arranged transversely, in particular (substantially) perpendicular to each other.

Preferably, fold line 49 can be parallel to auxiliary reference fold line 46. In particular, fold line 49 can be aligned with auxiliary reference fold line 46.

According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, a distance between the auxiliary reference fold line 46 and the fold line 49 may be equal to or less than 2.0 mm, in particular equal to or less than 1.0 mm, even more particularly equal to or less than 0.5 mm.

In addition, the first portion of flange 47 may be associated with the first portion of opening and the second portion of flange 48 may cover and seal the second portion of opening.

Additionally, the auxiliary reference fold line 46 may comprise a first section 50 and a second section 51 separated from each other.

Advantageously, the fold line 49 can be parallel to and interposed between the first section 50 and the second section 51. In particular, the fold line 49 can extend between the first section 50 and the second section 51.

Likewise, the first portion of rim 47 may comprise the peripheral portion 35, in particular the rectilinear peripheral portion 36.

Furthermore, the first portion of flange 47 may comprise the step and the collar 17 may be connected to and extend from the first portion of flange 47. Likewise, the retention element 20 may extend from the first portion of flange 47.

It should be noted that once the container 1'' is formed from the sheet of packaging material 21'', one respective wall of the main body 2 comprises the first opening portion and another wall the second opening portion; in particular, the two walls are transverse to each other. More specifically, the second wall 7 comprises the first opening portion and a transverse wall 6 the second opening portion.

Since the formation of packaging material sheets 21'' is similar to the formation of packaging material sheets 21, we refer to the description provided regarding the formation of packaging material sheets 21.

Additionally, since the formation of container 1'' is similar to the formation of container 1, we refer to the description provided regarding the formation of container 1.

The advantages of the packaging material sheet 21,21' and/or the container 1, 1' and/or the method for forming a packaging material sheet 21, 21' and/or the method for forming a container 1, 1' according to the present invention will become clear from the above description.

In particular, by using sheets of packaging material 21,21' to form the containers 1, 1', it is possible to improve the transport and closure properties of the containers 1, 1'. In particular, by having the rectilinear peripheral portion 35 adjacent to and parallel with the reference fold line 37 (the respective second transverse edge 10), it is possible to transfer a load acting on the respective opening device 3, 3' to one or more side walls 6. This again makes it possible to avoid any risk of possible deformation of the respective main body 2.

An additional advantage lies in providing a first flange 34 having a first flange portion 47 and a second flange portion 48 further enhancing the effects of the adjacent and parallel rectilinear peripheral portion 35 to the reference fold line 37 (the respective second transverse flange 10).

An additional advantage is that having the rectilinear peripheral portion 35 adjacent and parallel to the reference fold line 37 improves the folding of the packaging material sheets 21,21', in the respective packages 1, 1'.

It is evident that changes can be made to the sheet of packaging material 21, 21' and/or to the container 1, 1' and/or to the method for forming a sheet of packaging material 21, 21' and/or to the method for forming a container 1, 1' as described herein, however, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

According to some possible embodiments not shown, the opening device 3" may not comprise a second flange 41.

Claims (9)

1. Sheet of composite packaging material (21,21') for forming a composite material container (1, 1') filled with a pourable product comprising at least: - a base (22) of the packaging material sheet comprising a multilayer packaging material having a designated opening; and - an opening device (3, 3') applied to the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material and around the designated opening and designed to seal the designated opening and being controllable in an open position in order to release at least a portion of the designated opening; wherein the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material comprises at least a first face and a second face (24) opposite the first face; wherein the second face (24) is designed to define an internal surface (12) of the composite packaging material (1, 1') to be formed from the composite packaging material sheet (21,21'); wherein the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material comprises a plurality of fold lines (30) that delimit a plurality of panels (31); wherein the opening device (3, 3') comprises a base frame (15) for attaching the opening device (3, 3') to the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material and around the designated opening; wherein the base frame (15) comprises at least a first flange (34) connected to the second face (24) and having a rectilinear peripheral portion (36); where the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) is parallel to a respective fold line (30) that defines a reference fold line (37); where the first flange (34) is molded onto the second face (24); characterized by exactly one panel (31) comprises the designated opening; and because the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) is adjacent to said respective fold line (30) that defines said reference fold line (37) and a distance between the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) and the reference fold line (37) is equal to or less than 2.0 mm. 2. Sheet of composite packaging material according to claim 1, wherein the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) is in contact with the reference fold line (37). 3. Sheet of composite packaging material according to claim 2, wherein the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) abuts against the reference fold line (37). 4. Sheet of composite packaging material according to claim 2, wherein the rectilinear peripheral portion (36) extends to the reference fold line (37). 5. Method for forming a sheet of composite packaging material (21, 21') according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least the steps of: - provide a base (22) of the sheet of packaging material having a designated opening; - Place a mold around the designated opening; and - feed a molten polymer into the mold and mold the opening device (3, 3') onto the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material and around the designated opening. 6. Method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of: - read a mark applied to the base (22) of the sheet of packaging material; and - Align the mold around the designated opening depending on the position of the mark. 7. Composite material container formed from a sheet of composite packaging material (21, 21') according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 8. Composite material container according to claim 7, wherein the reference fold line (37) is interposed between a first wall (7) of the container (1, 1'), and a second wall (6) of the container (1, 1') being transverse to each other. 9. A method for forming a composite material container according to claim 7 or 8, comprising at least the steps of: - provide a sheet of composite packaging material (21, 21') according to any one of claims 1 to 4; - fold the sheet of composite packaging material according to the fold lines to obtain the composite material packaging (1, 1'); - seal the composite material container (1, 1'); and - fill the composite material container (1, 1') with the pourable product.